Peer Support Assistant

Salary Details

The salary range for this position is CAD $29.76/Hr. - CAD $31.64/Hr.

Job Summary

Come work as a Peer Support Assistant with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) on the Assertive Community Treatment Team in Richmond, BC! Apply now to join the team!

Within the context of a client and family-centered recovery model and in accordance with established vision and values of the organization, works as a member of a community-based team to assist with implementing the designated program. Provides peer-based support and assists with facilitating group sessions to designated clients. Provides support to clients in the development and maintenance of life skills, assists clients with the activities of daily living and promotes client participation in programs. Participates in established recreational and social activities, assists Rehab Supervisor with organizing materials for group sessions and participates in committees, task groups, and/or program initiatives. Assists the Rehab Supervisor with on-going team planning, development, evaluation and quality improvement activities.

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)

ACT is a team-based, person-centered service delivery model that combines treatment, rehabilitation and support services using transdisciplinary team-based care as a community alternative to psychiatric hospitalization. These teams provide intensive, specific and continuous services to meet the needs of individuals living with serious and persistent mental health and/or substance use challenges, who have not benefited from traditional outpatient programs. ACT teams bring health care and life-skills support to clients, all of whom would have challenges accessing health care and other social supports. ACT uses a trauma informed approach to promote recovery through community-based treatment and rehabilitation. The ACT team strives to support clients to maintain wellness in the community, reduce the number of client contacts with police, access substance use supports and harm reduction, and improve the quality of life for clients.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Grade 12, Completion of a recognized Peer Support Training Program and two (2) years recent, related experience providing support to individuals with mental health and substance use issues or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Valid B.C. Driver's License may be required as local area travel may require the use of a vehicle.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles of recovery.
• Knowledge of Psychosocial Rehabilitation methodology.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations and to recognize and respond appropriately to the needs of the peers and consumers.
• Ability to communicate effectively/tactfully both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to organize and prioritize.
• Ability to work under the pressure of interruptions and adapt to changes.
• Ability to problem solve and take initiative.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Basic computer literacy to operate computerized client care information system.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the job.

Closing Statement

The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the Collective Agreement and applicable statutes. Successful applicants may be required to complete a Criminal Records Review Check.As per Ministry of Health policy, all health care workers working in publicly-funded health care facilities are required to report their past receipt of certain vaccines or history of certain infections. Collecting these records will allow for offering of any missing vaccines, and for appropriate actions to be taken in the event of any future exposure to a communicable disease or during outbreaks. For all new hires and appointments to Vancouver Coastal Health, you will be asked to provide this information as part of the onboarding process.

WHY JOIN VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH?

VCH is a world class innovator in medical care, research and teaching, delivering service to more than one million BC residents. At VCH, we embrace thinking boldly, taking smart risks, and "going first" when we believe it will lead to the best possible outcomes for patients and their families. We invite you to join us in creating healthy lives in healthy communities by showcasing our passion for care, connection to the communities we serve and our culture of teamwork that makes VCH a great place to work.

• Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• Grow your career with employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families
• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff

At Vancouver Coastal Health, our vision of healthy lives in healthy communities inspires us and our values and pillars guide us. We support equitable practices, diverse teams and inclusive environments, which are vital to creating welcoming spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and feel supported. We encourage applications from equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous Peoples and members of racialized groups, people with disabilities and people of all gender identities and expressions and sexual orientation.Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, BC’s Top Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Canada's Top Employers for Young People in 2026.Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for this posting. ***Employees of VCH must apply online via the Internal Career Portal on CareerHub, you are currently viewing the External Career Portal. Refer to the https://my.vch.ca/working-here/job-postings site for instructions on how to view internal job postings and how to apply as an employee. Current VCH employees who apply to this posting using this external site will be considered as an external candidate. Seniority will not apply.***Thank you for your interest in Vancouver Coastal Health.